Sacred Heart Cathedral

History & Significance

Cathedral · Est. Parish founded 1856; current cathedral dedicated November 15, 1891

Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport, Iowa, traces to an 1856 parish (originally St. Margaret's) that became a cathedral in 1881 when the Diocese of Davenport was established. The present Gothic Revival building, designed by Chicago architect James J. Egan, was dedicated on November 15, 1891 by Bishop Henry Cosgrove. It is the seat and mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Davenport, and several of its rectors later became bishops. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

Gothic Revival, built of Bedford stone with a corner tower

• •Seat and mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Davenport (diocese established 1881)
• •Current cathedral designed by Chicago architect James J. Egan and dedicated November 15, 1891 by Bishop Henry Cosgrove
• •Originated as the 1856 parish of St. Margaret's before being elevated to cathedral status
• •Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Cathedral Complex (added April 5, 1984)
• •Several rectors went on to become bishops; survived a 2016 tornado and underwent restoration through 2019